Next generation Xbox 360 with built-in Blu-ray
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008

Rajiv

The news of a 360 with a built Blu-Ray drive coming out this year is no more credible than this:
http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/2822.html

So I guess all of a sudden Microsoft becomes more interested in Blu-Ray than Sony.

*April 1st*

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20080331PD214.html

I think Microsoft should have either delayed the 360 for around 6 months to include an HD-DVD drive built in or stayed truly neutral. Including it, HD-DVD would have had much more studio support to begin with and who knows, HD-DVD could have won at least several months ago. Being neutral, HD-DVD probably wouldn’t have existed.

The only incentive this would have for Microsoft is that it would take away some of the PS3’s momentum that started right after Warner went Blu, but how much would such a unit cost? If that rumor is correct and it gets released by the end of this year, you can expect to see the low end PS3 model priced at $299. Also, Microsoft wants to sell movies off Live. Wouldn’t this take away some of its sales?

At least we know that the death of HD-DVD changed everything and Microsoft is in a crucial state right now so maybe they’ll think it’s in their best interest to keep all options open.


Off topic…
The PS2 was released while I was in the U.S Army around 1 to 2 month after basic training and although I liked the Dreamcast more at that time, I was trilled that I could actually play DVDs on it and most other solder’s DVD player was also a PS2. I was also in the Army when I bought the X-Box and it’s funny that as much as I dreamed of having a DVD player, I ended up having 2 because it was built into game systems.

Microsoft’s response:
http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-lite-on-not-making-blu-ray-drive-298480

Digitimes follow up article:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20080401PD216.html

This podcast talks about the subject for several minutes starting at 6:50.
http://gear.ign.com/articles/864/864094p1.html

yup...i have yet to purchase a DVD or Blu-ray player on its own- always used my gaming consoles a DVD player (i.e. PS2, PS3, XBOX, so on). You should see how many of the LT's over here have Xbox 360's as their DVD player as well...i have yet to see a standalone anywhere.